3 and or 3.5 /5

Holly Black!!!!!!!!!! The only YA fantasy writer who GETS ME!

I love her writing- the narrative voice is easygoing and pushes nicely forward despite the beautiful and meticulous descriptive language. I also like how much she delves into her narrative character's psyche, it's always really cool and fun.

I really liked Oak's and Suren's relationship. It would've been nice if they interacted more, their dynamic was really interesting imo. I wish Oak wasn't such a Mary Sue, but I guess that's what happens when you give a hot guy some hooves.

I also wish there was less focus on Suren's appearance, in the way that she's insecure about it, sure, but mostly I thought it was annoying how guys were constantly reassuring her that she's pretty. Seemed irrelevant. Idk it makes sense for her to be insecure based on, well, everything, lol. But it was weird to me that there were multiple times when guys were like "You know... ACTUALLY you're really pretty"

I really liked this book at the start, but it did die down at the end for me. Dragged briefly. Pacing felt weird, and it was not what I was expecting (in a bad way, mostly).

Overall- fun read and refreshing to have a YA book that I don't have to goad myself into giving 2.5 stars ( )

Holly Black has an amazing talent to write engaging and especially emotionally gripping characters.
I don't know what this says about me but I just love these characters that make my heart bleed in this way.
But she was never good at avoiding very common and very obvious tropes to steer the plot and the emotional rollercoaster.
And this one is no different. The entire story hinges on some really obvious and stupid misunderstanding that could easily have been avoided if the protagonists had like 2 functioning brain cells. The most frustrating part about this, which also applies to her other books, is that these characters are generally very smart, and even the mistakes they make feel relatable and not just tstl. But then there are just a few of these inexcusably bad setups where the author just couldn't be bothered to figure out a more natural and believable solution. I am probably way too sensitive with such things but it feels like an insult to the reader to throw bullshit at them and expect them to just take it.
This has ruined many a book for me. ( )

I can always count on Holly Black to take me exactly where I want to go. Her work is (almost) the only YA I read, and I always enjoy my time in Elfhame. She knows what she’s doing. Her characters, especially our main characters, are always dynamic and fun to follow with complicated histories. Her worlds are full of enchanting names and settings. It’s a great time, fast paced, transporting.

Wren is a wonderful POV and glad to have another book with her, and Oak. ( )

An Exciting Adventure Unveils in "The Stolen Heir" by Holy Black

Rating: ★★★★☆

"The Stolen Heir" by Holy Black is a thrilling tale of mystery, intrigue, and adventure that sweeps readers into a world filled with secrets and unexpected twists. With its captivating plot, well-drawn characters, and a touch of magic, Black weaves an enchanting story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story follows Amelia, a young orphan who discovers she is the long-lost heir to a powerful kingdom. As she embarks on a quest to reclaim her birthright, Amelia finds herself entangled in a web of political schemes, hidden alliances, and dark forces that threaten her and everything she holds dear. Black's writing immerses readers in a richly imagined world, full of vibrant descriptions and intricate details.

One of the strengths of this novel lies in its well-developed characters. Amelia is a courageous and determined protagonist, driven by her desire to uncover the truth and protect those she loves. Along her journey, she encounters a cast of diverse and memorable characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. The interactions and relationships between the characters add depth and complexity to the story, making it more than just a simple quest narrative.

The pacing of "The Stolen Heir" is consistently fast-paced, filled with action and suspense. Black expertly crafts tension-filled scenes that keep readers engaged and eager to know what happens next. The plot twists and turns, revealing surprising revelations and escalating the stakes, creating a sense of urgency that propels the story forward.

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Furthermore, the magical elements introduced in the story add an extra layer of intrigue. Black seamlessly integrates magic into the narrative, making it an integral part of the world and the characters' abilities. The magical system is well-defined and adds depth to the conflicts and challenges faced by the protagonists.

However, there are instances where the plot becomes slightly predictable, and some characters could benefit from further development. While the story is exciting and engaging, a few additional layers of complexity and nuance could have enhanced the overall depth of the novel.

In conclusion, "The Stolen Heir" is a thrilling adventure that will captivate fans of fantasy and mystery. Holy Black's imaginative storytelling, well-drawn characters, and skillful pacing make for an enjoyable read. Though a tad predictable at times, the novel's magical elements and suspenseful plot keep readers eagerly turning the pages. "The Stolen Heir" is a satisfying entry into the genre, promising an entertaining journey for those seeking an escape into a world of magic, intrigue, and a determined heroine.

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Ich habe die Bücher der "Folk of the Air"-Serie von Holly Black geliebt und habe mich hier auf eine Rückkehr nach Elfhame gefreut.

Der Königshof ist diesmal in weiter Ferne, die Geschichte dreht sich um Oak, den kleinen Halbbruder der Königin, der als Thronfolger gesehen wird.

Oak macht sich hier auf den Weg, seinen Vater (Ex-General Madok) aus den Fängen des Court of Teeth zu befreien - sicher nicht in Absprache mit Queen Jude, da Madok ja die Macht an sich reißen wollte, am Ende aber verloren hatte.

Oak wird unterstützt von einer Fee, die an sich dem Court of Teeth vorsteht, diese Rolle für sich aber abgelehnt hat und am Rande der Gesellschaft in der Welt der Menschen lebt, nachdem sie dort als Changeling aufgewachsen war. Auch Oaks andere Gefährten sind nicht unbedingt treue Untertanen des Königshofs und bringen alle ihre eigene Geschichte mit.

Abgesehen von dem neuen Fokus auf andere Protagonisten konnte ich schnell wieder in die Welt von Elfhame abtauchen und habe mich an einigen neuen Ideen bei der Beschreibung von Landschaft und Gebäuden, aber auch über neue Details der Interaktion zwischen Feen und Menschen, gefreut. Für mich eine gute Ergänzung der Reihe, nur heißt es jetzt wieder auf den zweiten Teil der Geschichte warten. ( )